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First of all, if you have changed your name to "Mr. Islam" and you board a flight bound for Washington, D.C. - you have to expect to raise a few eyebrows. [img]graemlins/biglaugh.gif[/img]
Having said that, though, it is obvious this was a gross over-reaction by the authorities. According to Pritchke's source, Yusuf/Cat has been in D.C. very recently on previous trips. If his name didn't raise alarms then, it certainly shouldn't now.
Personally, I would like to see more documented evidence of his supporting Hamas and the "death sentence" issued for Salman Rushdie. I realize Yusuf/Cat categorically denies these allegations - but that is to be expected. In this case, he would appear to have more motivation to lie about the facts than his accusers.
However, the many documented accounts of his charity efforts do offset the allegations and lend support to his claim that he denounces terrorism.
I think Yusuf/Cat IS playing the "wounded/victimized diva" role a bit too much, but that is because this will all generate free publicity that will only increase interest in his future (and past) recordings.
Even if the claims of supporting Hamas prove to be true, does that make him a legitimate "No Fly" candidate? Do the authorities believe he may be using his celebrity status to access areas they cannot in an attempt to "scout" targets for them?
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Cerek the Calmth
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